Heroin-related overdoses on the rise

Oakland County health officials are warning residents of an increase in heroin-related overdoses in Michigan and across the nation.

After the rise was recently reported to the Michigan Poison Control Center, county officials said that investigations into the cause of this peak are underway.

“However, recent (incidents) outside of Michigan were determined to be related to Fentanyl,” said authorities in a Wednesday media release. “Fentanyl is an extremely potent synthetic opiate analgesic that is often prescribed to treat severe pain.

“Its affects are much stronger than morphine and addiction to this substance can occur quickly and with a much higher rate of overdose.”

The health division also sent information about the dangerous effects of the addictive drug. It is a smoked, snorted or injected morphine-based drug that enters into the brain rapidly and affects nerves tied to a person’s breathing, blood pressure and mood.

County health division authorities said that general heroin use has seen an increase across the nation in the past few years.

The physical effects of heroin — which looks like a white or brown powder or a sticky black substance — could entail convulsions, a slowing of breathing, nausea and lead to a coma or death. The withdrawal symptoms are just as uncomfortable, said officials, and can include insomnia, vomiting and diarrhea, among the most severe.

Those who inject heroin with needles are at a higher risk for HIV, hepatitis B or hepatitis C. Chronic users of the drug — also known as “smack” or “chiva” — could also be more susceptible to heart-related infections or diseases, as well as diseases of the liver or kidney.

Parents are encouraged to supervise their child’s activities and know who their friends are and to look for signs of heroin use such as needle marks, loss of appetite and unusual sleep patterns.

The county’s Prior Authorization and Central Evaluation Program offers substance abuse treatment services for low income residents and can be reached at 248-858-5200 or 888-350-0900, ext. 85200. For more information about the Oakland County Health Division’s substance abuse services, visit the county’s website at www.oakgov.com/healthor call 248-858-0001.